The New Sequoia

This new mixed use building on Berkeley’s prominent Telegraph Avenue replaces a 44-unit building that suffered a catastrophic fire in late 2011. To engage the prominent corner of Telegraph and Haste Street, the new building’s mass is stepped with the second and third floors pushed back. The building facades are a two-tone composition of cement plaster with color accents and material variations. The building shell is further refined by a rhythm of solar shading devices around the windows and a combination of metal and wood-slatted awnings above the storefronts. The upper floors are used as a privately-owned dormitory for U.C. Berkeley Students. The building, opened late Summer 2016, was realized within the tight budget of $175/square foot. Restaurants along Telegraph Avenue were completed and opened the following year.